UK Residents Urge Govt to Seek Visa-Free Travel to Europe

A petition has been launched on the UK Parliament website, calling for visa-free travel to Europe for individuals holding a UK Residence Permit (BRP).

The petition, which has so far garnered the support of 23,718 people, highlights the current ineligibility of non-EU citizens holding BRP cards to travel to European countries using their permits as valid travel documents. It urges the government to take action to rectify this situation.

Differences in Entry Rules Post-Brexit

Following Brexit, differences in entry rules have arisen between the UK and the EU, impacting citizens of both regions.

Currently, citizens from countries outside the EU, including Britons, are required to carry a valid passport when visiting Schengen Zone countries for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

BRP: A Secure Immigration Document, but Not a Valid Travel Document

While the UK’s biometric residence permit serves as a secure immigration document enabling foreign nationals to travel to and prove their right to stay, work, or study in the UK, it is not considered a valid travel document for entry into EU countries.

Government’s Response to the Petition

The government has stated that there are no plans to lobby the EU for the removal of the passport requirement for non-EU/EEA citizens, including UK citizens, visiting the Schengen area. They have emphasized that this issue is not related to visas.

Visa Requirements for Britons and Schengen Zone Travel

Britons seeking a Schengen Visa must currently possess a residence permit that remains valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date from the Schengen Zone.

It is important to note that individuals travelling or residing in the UK on a visa are not eligible to apply for a Schengen visa at the Schengen embassies in the UK. Instead, they must apply for a Schengen visa at the respective embassy in their home country.

Challenges Post-Brexit

The aftermath of Brexit has presented significant challenges for both the UK and the EU. Recent data from the ABTA Travel Association reveals a considerable decline of 69 per cent in the number of Britons employed in the EU travel industry since 2017.

EU Travelers to the UK to Require ETA

Furthermore, it was recently announced that citizens of EU Member States travelling to the UK will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) starting next year, at an estimated cost of €12.

By addressing the concerns raised in this petition, the UK government could pave the way for improved travel opportunities and alleviate some of the difficulties arising from post-Brexit rules.